By Janine Booth, Political Officer, RMT London Transport Regional Council

Tube activists are gearing up for a last-ditch battle to stop privatisation, as the Government expressed its determination to press ahead.


With breathtaking arrogance and contempt for the views of Londoners, Transport Secretary Alistair Darling declared that the transfers to private consortia would take place in January, and that he will not hand control of London Underground to Mayor Ken Livingstone whilst he (the Mayor) continues with legal challenges to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP). Adding insult to injury, he confirmed that the Government will underwrite the 'funding gap', and indemnify the private companies against any losses.

The previous week, RMT's London Transport Regional Council unanimously agreed a resolution to revive its campaign to stop privatisation. We now need that resolution to be put into action. There is no time to lose.